2 Men Injured While Lighting Burn Pile

Fire can be dangerous. When a burn pile is relit improperly, it can spark a flash fire, which can cause serious burn injuries to those in the area.

This is what recently happened in Tennessee. Two men attempted to reignite a burn pile on a construction site, causing them to get seriously burned. The incident happened on the morning of July 17 in Maury County.

The Maury County Fire Department responded to the scene, which was a construction site along Highway 431. There, they found two men with “significant burn injuries.” The men were

attempting to relight a burn pile that they had lit the previous day. They used an accelerant on the pile, which still had hot coals inside. This caused a flash fire, burning both men.

One man’s condition was critical enough at the scene that Maury EMS had to request an air medical response helicopter to fly him to a regional trauma center. The second man was transported via ground ambulance, and both continue to receive emergency treatment for their injuries. Neither had been identified.

What is a Flash Fire?

A flash fire is a rapidly moving fire that occurs when a cloud of flammable gas, vapor, or dust ignites. A flash fire occurs when three elements come together: fuel, oxygen, and an ignition source. The fuel must be mixed with air in a concentration that can ignite, known as the flammable range.

A flash fire burns very quickly, typically lasting only a few seconds. However, it can produce intense heat and cause severe burns.

The flame travels through the fuel cloud almost instantly. Unlike an explosion, a flash fire generally does not create a damaging blast overpressure. However, there is a high burn risk. Anyone caught within the flame envelope can suffer serious or fatal burns.

For example, if propane leaks from a cylinder and mixes with air, a nearby spark or open flame can ignite the vapor cloud, creating a flash fire. Once the fuel cloud is consumed, the fire often goes out unless there is a continuing fuel source.

Flash fires are a major hazard in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, manufacturing, and grain handling, where flammable vapors or combustible dusts may be present. They can also occur when someone is using gas or an accelerant on a burn pile to relight it quickly.

Contact Us Today

Burns are rarely insignificant. Most require lengthy, specialized treatment that can be costly and painful.

A Mt. Juliet burn injury lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC can assist you if you have suffered a burn due to someone else’s negligence. Calculating damages from a burn can be complex. This can involve projections for reconstructive surgery, skin grafts, occupational therapy, psychological treatment for trauma, and even permanent disfigurement. Let us guide you through the process. Fill out the online form or call (615) 622-6060 to schedule a consultation.

Source:

wkrn.com/news/local-news/2-men-hurt-relighting-burn-pile-in-maury-county/